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Manchester United decided to finally cut ties with Donny van de Beek in the summer after four difficult years in which he barely got any chances.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in the Dutchman in back in 2020 with the club paying €39 million for his services beating out competition from Real Madrid reportedly.
However, owing to Bruno Fernandes’ extraordinary form and the midfielder’s own versatility, he hardly got chances in his preferred position, starting only 17 times under the Norwegian in two seasons.
In came Erik ten Hag, his former Ajax coach, and the Netherlands international’s camp must surely have thought a renaissance was on the cards.
Donny’s nightmare United spell
On the contrary, the Dutchman hardly used his former protege, as he made only four starts under him before eventually departing to Girona for a measly €500k.
The Red Devils can eventually earn up to €15 million should the 27-year-old do well in La Liga but his start has not gone according to plan.
He has not started a single league game thus far and his first start in the Champions League saw him have the least touches among his teammates.
As per SPORT, physical problems and his inability to adapt to coach Michel’s philosophy have been cited as factors by the player’s camp.
“Can you ask for more from him? Yes and no. Yes, because he has the quality and experience to come back and be what he once was. And no, because, in reality, Van de Beek is no longer the same Van de Beek of Ajax.
Girona spell not working out so far
“The truth is that he is having problems adapting to Girona, as SPORT was able to confirm with the Dutchman’s entourage. For physical reasons, as expected, but also tactical reasons.
“It is true that the team’s style of play suits his profile as a footballer, although it is logical that he would have to absorb Michel’s ideas.”
Injuries have hampered his career over recent years and not playing enough has meant those troubles have become quite frequent. As stated by the reporter, the Dutchman is no longer the same force he once was.
He will need to be happy with a “secondary” role and hopefully, can still salvage his flagging career and in the process, help Girona maintain their current level.
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